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By the time the opening scenes of Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens unfold, one thing becomes immediately clear: this is a production that spares no expense in style, ambition, and scale. The five-part Netflix mini-series, produced by Kunle Afolayan and released on January 30, seeks to deepen the mystical universe first introduced in the 2022 hit Anikulapo. However, despite its technical polish and stellar cast, the series struggles to answer a crucial question — does this story still have enough substance to justify another chapter?
While the original film captivated audiences with its blend of folklore, fantasy, and emotional depth, its sequel left viewers divided, burdened with unresolved subplots and lingering questions. This third instalment arrives with renewed ambition, promising fresh perspectives and darker themes. Yet, instead of offering satisfying closure, it expands the narrative into increasingly complex and unfocused territory.
Story and Central Theme
At the heart of this instalment is the spirit of Bashorun Ogunjimi, who defies the natural order by returning from the realm of the dead as a ghoul — a being sustained by consuming human flesh and souls. His resurrection unleashes fear, chaos, and suspicion across the kingdom, creating a supernatural tension that should ideally drive the story.
Unfortunately, this central conflict is repeatedly sidelined as the narrative branches into multiple subplots. While these additional storylines attempt to enrich the world, they ultimately weaken the focus, leaving Ogunjimi’s haunting presence underutilised and emotionally diluted.
World-Building and Visual Presentation
One area where The Ghoul Awakens undeniably excels is its visual craftsmanship. The production design is breathtaking, transporting viewers into a richly textured ancient world. The earthy architecture, intricate palace interiors, and carefully sculpted household items reflect an impressive commitment to detail. Particularly memorable is the king’s bed, carved into the shape of an elephant’s head — a symbolic and visually striking feature that elevates the aesthetic experience.
The cinematography complements this design beautifully, with wide landscape shots and intimate close-ups that enhance emotional depth. Costuming is equally commendable, blending cultural authenticity with dramatic flair. The styling of Portuguese characters, in particular, shows thoughtful differentiation, reinforcing the historical layers of the narrative. However, certain makeup choices — notably some tribal markings — appear overly stylised, slightly detracting from realism. The CGI effects, while serviceable, fluctuate in quality, occasionally breaking immersion.
Performances and Character Dynamics
The acting across the series remains consistently strong. Owobo Ogunde delivers a chilling performance as the ghoul, embodying menace and mystery with restraint. His portrayal adds emotional weight to Ogunjimi’s tragic defiance of death, making his scenes some of the most compelling in the series.
Bimbo Ademoye also shines, navigating her character’s emotional descent and resilience with nuance. Her transition from royalty to vulnerability is portrayed with authenticity, drawing sympathy and admiration. Veteran actors Gabriel Afolayan, Taiwo Hassan, and Ronke Oshodi Oke provide dependable performances that anchor the story.
Newer faces like Kiekie and Saga add energy, though Saga’s Yoruba diction occasionally feels strained. Nevertheless, his commitment and screen presence allow him to integrate effectively into the ensemble cast.
Narrative Structure and Pacing Issues
Despite its strengths, the series is hampered by structural weaknesses. The pacing is sluggish, with extended scenes that offer minimal narrative payoff. Instead of resolving lingering questions from the previous instalment, the story introduces new characters, conflicts, and emotional arcs that remain largely unexplored.
Viewers are taken through overlapping romantic entanglements, political manoeuvring, business schemes, illness narratives, and social struggles. While each subplot holds potential, their sheer volume creates narrative clutter. None receives adequate depth, and the lack of focus results in emotional detachment.
More concerning is the absence of resolution. After five episodes and several hours of viewing, the series concludes with multiple threads left hanging. Major conflicts are halted abruptly, providing neither emotional closure nor a satisfying cliffhanger. Rather than building anticipation, the ending feels incomplete and frustrating.
Continuity and Plot Consistency
Another drawback lies in the inconsistent handling of timelines. Events previously established in the sequel are altered, leading to confusion. Discrepancies in the timelines surrounding Omowunmi’s abduction and Arolake’s escape disrupt narrative coherence, suggesting lapses in script supervision and story continuity.
These inconsistencies weaken the immersive experience, making it difficult for viewers to remain fully invested in the unfolding drama.
Final Thoughts
Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens stands as a visually stunning but narratively strained extension of an already expansive franchise. While the series excels in production quality, costume design, and acting, it falters in storytelling discipline and emotional payoff.
The ambition to expand the Anikulapo universe is evident, yet the lack of narrative focus and resolution undermines its impact. A tighter script, streamlined subplots, and a clearer story arc might have transformed this into a more compelling continuation.
As it stands, the series feels more like a visually elaborate detour than a necessary evolution of the original story.
Rating: 5/10
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